ALLEN PARK >> No matter what anyone says, NFL preseason games are not meaningless.

For several members of the Detroit Lions, their performance in Thursday night’s final preseason game at Buffalo could mean they have a job next week or they don’t.

It’s that close at several positions.

Coach Jim Caldwell would not give specifics Tuesday on whether Matthew Stafford will play even a snap on Thursday.

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In the third preseason game, the starters mostly played for a half and a series in the third quarter.

This week for the fourth preseason game there’s no plan like that at all. Keeping starters healthy is key.

“We haven’t made a declaration in terms of who’s playing. In this case, it’s not going to be across the board with any particular position or individual’’ Caldwell said. “It’ll be depending upon who we want to see and need to see and who we don’t need to see at this particular time if that indeed happens. The great majority of the guys will probably get some playing time.”

While the starters have generally been determined, position battles for roster spots are ongoing at wide receiver, running back, defensive end, defensive tackle, cornerback and safety.

“This is kind of the point of the roster where these games count heavily for the individuals that are playing in the games,’’ Caldwell said. “A lot of them will get more playing time and some may not have gotten any playing time up to this point and it’s a very, very important one for them, so they try to take advantage of it — give them the best opportunity to do well.’’

While solid performances will help individuals earn a spot on the 53-man roster, Caldwell has been consistent since camp started that players will be kept based on their body of work.

In other words, it wouldn’t be wise to fumble or commit a stupid penalty but one play will likely not be the determining factor.

There’s been speculation that the Bills will use their starting defensemen for a good stretch in the game. That makes no difference to Caldwell who will be taking a good look at several wide receivers.

“I don’t care who they line up,’’ Caldwell said. “If he’s a player in this league, he’s very good and he’ll attest every single one of our guys across the board. So I think it will be challenging, regardless of who plays.”

About the Author

Paula Pasche is a longtime sports writer for The Oakland Press and blogs at http://oplions.blogspot.com/. Author of book, "100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die." Follow on Tout and Twitter @paulapasche. Reach the author at paula.pasche@oakpress.com
or follow Paula on Twitter: @PaulaPasche.